A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

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10 minutes ago, Jonder said:

I had a Melco S100 on loan and I couldn’t tell the difference with the led’s on or off!

LEDs are extremely low noise devices.  One "might" be able to hear a difference in the context of a state of the art world class phono stage (super high gain analog circuit) but no one will ever hear a difference in the context of a noisy, high speed, digital device such as a Network switch.  I would not trust anyone's claim of hearing a difference in that context-furthermore, I would have little faith in any manufacturer who claims LED noise contribution is audible in the context of a Network switch, as this would be a clear indication that they are making things up, rather than actually measuring noise levels.

Let us all consider that LEDs are often used as ultra low noise references for both current and voltage regulation in very high end analog circuitry, which is much more nose sensitive than a Network switch.

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8 hours ago, Blackmorec said:

Quoting from the Melco S100 Network Switch Manual 

 

LED Off Switch

Press this switch to turn off the link/act LED

Leaving the link/act LED on may affect the quality of sound. We recommend turning off the link/act LED for typical music playback. 

 

I imagine Melco and I know Innuos measures extensively during development and both recommend skipping the LEDs for critical listening.  Similarly SoTM offers a simple means of disabling all their LEDs via a 3 position power switch. 

 

 

 

 

Here are the key wordings from the above:

 

"may affect the quality of sound"  When they say "may" they are clearly admitting that they do not know the answer, if they did know, they would say so.

 

and:

 

"I imagine Melco..."

 

Yes, anyone can imagine things, but imagining things has nothing to do with what has actually occurred.

 

I stand by my analysis that the relatively tiny amount of noise which LEDs make is inconsequential to the overall noise footprint of a component like a Network switch, which includes very noisy processing chips in its circuitry. 

 

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For cost no object designs, you guys might consider the connectors from Lemo in Switzerland.  These are very high in quality and with low contact resistance, and are available in many different pin configurations and sizes.